Does Your Lipstick Send Signals to Your Date?

We all know that what you wear on a date gives off a certain impression of who you are. Flirty dresses are feminine and sexy, while pants and more tailored outfits convey some reserve.

But what about your lips, the starting point of any romantic triste? Apparently the color lipstick you wear says a lot about who you are and what you want.

Mashable decided to look into this phenomenon by asking Professor Karen Pine, a notable fashion psychologist and author of Mind What You Wear, The Psychology of Fashion, what her thoughts were about lipstick and dating. While all of the shades she examined were various shades of red and nude, they each provide a very distinct impression of the person wearing it. A small change in hue can make a huge difference in how your date perceives what you are really looking for.

Not surprisingly, classic red lips provide a lot of sex appeal with very little mystery. Professor Pine states: "You are sending out emotionally charged signals, wearing a color associated with passion, energy and action. You’re a bold, confident woman and one in her sexual prime."

As lipstick shades go lighter, the woman’s intentions come across as a little more mysterious. For instance, Pine notes: "Pink is the color of innocence, but you’ve added some heat too, signaling a mixed message of approach-avoidance. Your date may be confused as to what you want from a relationship..."

Purple hues indicate strength, but depending on whether you go bright or dark, you can give off different impressions. A bright fuchsia for instance indicates artistic sensibility and creativity – and you’ll likely expect your date to be interesting or at least a good conversationalist. Burgundy however is much more serious. It shows your strong, decisive character but there is an element of reserve. Your dates might feel that you take a while in getting to know someone, and they should expect to be patient.

Orange hues, much like pink, indicate a certain degree of playfulness, without any specific intention of where you want the date to go.

Neutrals and wearing no lipstick also give off a distinct impression to your date. Nude lipsticks let him know that you want to be taken seriously. Pine states: “There’s a vulnerability and sensitivity to your approach but with the right partner, you're willing to bare your soul and wear your heart on your sleeve.” Wearing no lipstick however, means business. Your no-nonsense approach to dating says “take me as I am, I have nothing to hide.”

Don’t take this article’s word for it. Why not try out a few different shades of lipstick on your next several dates, and see what kind of response you get? At least you get to have a little fun with color.